ASEAN Urges Concrete Action to Reduce Violence in Myanmar
BANGKOK: Foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have renewed their call for immediate and practical measures to reduce violence in Myanmar during their first formal meeting with the country’s foreign minister since the military takeover in 2021.
Speaking after the ministerial meeting in Bangkok on Sunday, Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro emphasized that ASEAN expects meaningful actions to end hostilities, particularly attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure. She described the discussions as an important first step toward reviving regional engagement with Myanmar.
The meeting marked the first direct dialogue between ASEAN foreign ministers and Myanmar’s Foreign Minister U Tin Maung Swe since the military assumed power, leading to prolonged political unrest and armed conflict across the country.
Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said Myanmar briefed regional leaders on its political peace process, ongoing efforts to combat cross-border scam operations, and its roadmap for restoring stability. He reiterated ASEAN’s commitment to the Five-Point Consensus, the bloc’s framework aimed at resolving Myanmar’s crisis through dialogue, an end to violence, and expanded humanitarian assistance.
Adopted in 2021, the Five-Point Consensus calls for an immediate cessation of violence, constructive dialogue among all stakeholders, and unhindered humanitarian access. However, implementation has remained limited as Myanmar continues to grapple with civil conflict and recurring natural disasters.
Acknowledging the complexity of the situation, Phuangketkeow stressed that progress would require patience and sustained engagement, adding that improvements are expected through gradual, step-by-step efforts. He also announced that Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro will undertake a humanitarian visit to Myanmar on behalf of ASEAN.
Meanwhile, Myanmar’s Foreign Ministry said Foreign Minister U Tin Maung Swe informed ASEAN counterparts that the country’s parliament recently approved a motion requesting a review of the Five-Point Consensus. According to the statement, lawmakers argued that the existing framework no longer reflects Myanmar’s current political landscape and is inconsistent with ASEAN’s core principles.
The differing positions underscore the challenges facing ASEAN as it seeks to facilitate dialogue and encourage a peaceful resolution to one of Southeast Asia’s most complex political crises.
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